Collections Assistant – Temporary – April-Oct 2024, $15/hr, 20-29hrs/wk Conner Prairie, Indianapolis, IN

Principal Function:
The Collections Assistant will primarily be responsible for assisting the Collections Manager with physical management of the 3D, library and archive collections, as well as supporting the Exhibits staff with installation and maintenance of exhibits, along with other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include, but are not limited to:
1. Assist with maintenance of museum database and document files.
2. Complete inventories of 3D collection, including an annual inventory of the historic buildings.
3. Assist Collections Manager with maintaining the institutional archives.
4. Assist in providing staff training regarding collection policies and procedures.
5. Assist with external object loan requests and interface with Interpretation Department needs.
6. Assist with accessioning and deaccessioning objects for both the Permanent and the Educational Resource Collections and for the Archives.
7. Retrieve environmental data from historic buildings, artifact storage, and other exhibit areas.
8. Help maintain artifact storage and assist with cleaning storage areas.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, history or related study preferred, or equivalent years of experience.
Museum experience preferred.

This is a temporary position from April-October 2024, working 20-29 hours a week. Pay Rate is $15/hour. Schedule is flexible, Mondays preferred.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty according to the requirements of the organization. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Competencies: To perform this job successfully, all employees at Conner Prairie should demonstrate the following competencies:
1. Proficient in computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
2. Previous knowledge or experience in PastPerfect or other collections management systems a plus.
3. Previous knowledge or experience in museum practices a plus.
4. Organized and able to multi-task.
5. Excellent written communication skills.
Customer Service Responds to requests for service and assistance; Manages difficult or emotional customer situations focusing on listening without interrupting and keeping ones emotions under control; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Maintains confidentiality and meets commitments; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
Teamwork Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.
Diversity Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
Ethics Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization’s goals and values; Benefits organization through outside activities; Supports affirmative action and respects diversity.
Professionalism Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
Quality/Quantity Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to promote and improve quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality; Meets productivity standards; Completes work in a timely manner; Strives to increase productivity and works quickly.
Safety/Security Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
Attendance/Punctuality/Dependability Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and events on time; Follows instructions; Responds to management’s direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternative plan.

Job-related Competencies To perform this job successfully, employees in this job should demonstrate the following competencies:
Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays or unexpected events.
Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
Initiative – Volunteers readily; Undertakes self-development activities; Seeks increased responsibilities; Takes independent actions and calculated risks; Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; Asks for and offers help when needed.